Jakirović Insists Semi Ajayi Can Deliver Despite Injury Concerns

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has expressed confidence that Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi can bounce back from his injury troubles and contribute effectively in the coming matches.

Ajayi has been dealing with a hamstring issue that sidelined him shortly after joining Hull. Jakirović confirmed that the club’s medical staff are handling his recovery with caution. “I don’t know maybe. 70, 80 per cent (chance),” he said, adding that he is constantly in discussion with the medical team about Ajayi’s readiness.

Though absent from Hull’s last five Championship fixtures, Ajayi has begun making appearances with the club’s U‑21 side as part of his rehabilitation.  Jakirović believes that the upcoming international break could offer him the match minutes he needs to regain rhythm. “I hope they all will play something – Semi (Ajayi) … and they will return healthy,” he remarked. The coach also emphasised the difficulty of managing comebacks from injury, warning that pushing too hard is risky. “Our doctors are very careful. They don’t want to push anybody,” he added.

When asked about why Ajayi wasn’t used in a recent match, Jakirović revealed that the centre‑back asked for additional time to recover, which influenced the decision.  Despite that, the coach remains hopeful. If Ajayi returns to full strength, he could become an important option in Hull’s backline during a demanding season.

Editorial

We observe Jakirović’s insistence on Semi Ajayi’s readiness not just as coachly optimism but as a deliberate message that adversity can be transformed into opportunity. Maintaining faith in a player amid injury is not about blind hope it’s about structured expectation, balance and clear vision.

We recognise how precarious recoveries from hamstring injuries are, especially for defenders whose game relies on bursts, direction changes and aerial duels. Jakirović is right to speak of caution “They don’t want to push anybody.” Yet to doubt Ajayi’s ability to re‑emerge and perform at a high level would be to betray the very reasoning behind his signing.

That said, confidence must be matched by measured action. Incorporating him first in controlled minutes—as with U‑21 outings before reintegrating fully is sound. Jakirović displaying awareness that the international window could be used for match practice reveals adaptive thinking. We appreciate this flexible approach: giving recuperation time while allowing room for competitive exposure.

We caution that expectations be managed. Fans, the media, club and national team alike must resist pressure to thrust Ajayi back prematurely. Recovery is not linear. A relapse now would waste the trust Jakirović and the medical team place in him. Supporting structures training load, monitored minutes, load management must be prioritised.

We suspect that Ajayi’s comeback, if handled well, will influence not just his season but Hull’s defensive stability and Nigeria’s squad prospects. Overconfidence or impatience could ruin that. We maintain that the path forward must combine belief, structure and prudence.

We began by asserting that Jakirović’s confidence signals more than hope — it is a challenge to make recovery into resurgence. May that challenge be met with discipline, patience and firm resolve.

Did You Know?

1. Semi Ajayi made over 170 appearances for West Bromwich Albion before his move to Hull City.
2. He has featured in multiple editions of the Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria, including helping reach the knockout stages.
3. Hamstring injuries are among the most common in professional footballers, often requiring 4–8 weeks of recovery if mild.
4. Using U‑21 or reserve matches during rehabilitation is a common strategy clubs use to reintroduce players safely.
5. International breaks frequently act as recovery windows for injured players, allowing them to maintain fitness through national team duties.